Democratic mayor-elect of New York, Bill de Blasio, hugs his daughter Chiara and son Dante during his election victory party on Nov. 5.

Reuters

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s teenage children will serve as King Neptune and Queen Mermaid in the 32nd annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island next month, the event’s organizers said Thursday.

“As King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, Dante and Chiara de Blasio will hold the highest position of honor in the parade, a unique and artistic celebration of ancient mythology and the honky-tonk seaside ritual that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors,” said the not-for-profit organization, Coney Island USA, which puts on the parade, in a news release announcing the first family’s participation in the June 21 event.

A year ago, organizers of the parade were unsure if they could proceed because many props and costumes had been destroyed during superstorm Sandy the previous fall. But a last-minute Kickstarter campaign raised more than $110,000, and mermaids, mermen, octopi, lobsters and vampires lined up Surf Avenue, and the parade proceeded as usual.

The Mermaid Parade is known for scantily clad participants. According to organizers, the parade features marching bands, drill teams, floats, antique cars and roughly 1,500 participants who dress in hand-made costumes. Per tradition, King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are wheeled in the parade in an antique wicker boardwalk rolling chair that dates back to 1923.

A scene from the 2013 Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

Associated Press

“We are extraordinarily honored to have the participation of New York City’s first family in the parade,” said Dick Zigun, Coney Island USA’s founder, who is informally known as the mayor of Coney Island. “King Neptune and Queen Mermaid represent the young adults of New York City who are the next generation of visitors to Coney Island.”

Queen Latifah, the actress and singer, was once a Queen Mermaid and Harvey Keitel, an actor, was once the parade’s King Neptune.

The de Blasio children have been prominent figures in parades in the past. Ms. de Blasio turned heads at last year’s Gay Pride parade, and the entire family introduced their signature dance move, known as “the smackdown,” at the West Indian American Day Parade last September. The move involves circling your hand around your head, licking your fingers, slapping the ground and jumping back.

The de Blasio children are contemplating possibly stepping up their involvement in public events this summer when they are both out of school, a person familiar with the matter said.